G'day! Pull up a chair! Join me at the kitchen table for a chat...let's toss a few thoughts around about the state of this crazy but wonderful world we inhabit. There's lots to discuss! Make yourself comfortable! Would you like a glass of wine?

Thursday, May 05, 2016

I CAN’T GET BY WITHOUT MY MUM!

Unfortunately, I’ve had to do so because none was
available when I went to buy one!What
is the world coming to?Don’t be silly!
Mothers aren’t for sale at the supermarket! I’m referring to Mum Roll-On
deodorant.

When I went to replenish my supply of Mum the other
day there wasn’t any to be seen.To my
jaw-dropping surprise none of the latter was in stock at our local IGA
supermarket. The shelves were bare - not a Mum was in sight!I almost collapsed in a faint. If no one had
been around I would’ve sat down in the middle of the aisle, cried my eyes out
while throwing a tantrum; butthere were
other shoppers milling around so I was forced to roll up my sleeves, pull my
head in, yank up my socks, and put on a brave front - onwards and upwards I
rolled forth.

At the tender age of 15 I stepped into the adult
world when I commenced my first job. Oh! The joy of earning my own money!

It was then, as a fledgling beginning to spread my
wings, I started using underarm (wings) deodorant.Mum Rollette was what I purchased when I was
a teenage high roller hitting the Gympie dances, record hops, and the beaches
of Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headlands and Noosa Heads.

Loyally, I’ve faithfully carried Mum under my arms,
out of sight, throughout the years since those halcyon, innocent times.Mum took the worry out of being close.

To the letter, I followed the mantra; “When you’re
on a good thing...stick to it”. The Mortein insect spray advertisement insisted
everyone followed its wise advice; so I did.I never used Mortein under my arms, though, if that’s what you’re
thinking – there were no flies on me (not even Louie)!

With my weekly pay packets clasped securely in hand
I started doing lots of things I’d been unable to do while a school student. I
was able to buy my own clothes, or in the majority of instances, the material
to make them.I was capable of paying my
own way with the money I earned.I felt
independent. It felt good.I was proud
to be able to help in the running of our family household.No longer was I dependent on my mother and
grandmother for my upkeep.Being
self-supporting was the best thing since sliced bread – and Elvis!

During my older brother’s and my childhood our
mother and grandmother were the money-earners. There was no father on the
scene.Our welfare, guidance and safety
were in the hands of those two wonderful, strong women.They weren’t perfect; no one is, but they
were perfectly incredible in so many ways; having had to face and conquer many
obstacles.“Surrender” was
a word they understood and could spell; but it was one they never put into
practice.

Mum and Nana worked hard to ensure at all times my
brother and I had clothes on our backs; shoes on our feet and food on the
table. Our cupboards were never bare,
even the times when the coffers were.

There was little my late brother Graham and I did
without. And if there was, we never
fretted about it.We had enough to
occupy our time and our imagination.We
never coveted what others had. We were too busy playing cowboys and Indians,
and/or building cubby houses and tree houses; or earning our pocket money by lugging
read newspapers, empty milk and soft drink bottles to the local shops up the
road to be swapped for shiny three-pences, sixpences and one shilling pieces,
depending on the going rate.

Our grandmother and mother shared an unbreakable
bond.Sometimes they argued like
sisters. At all times our mother respected her mother, our grandmother; and
vice versa.

My Mum and Nana were good mates; they were each
other’s best friend.Their unique
connection was unbreakable.No man or
woman could tear their alliance asunder. Mum and Nana remained each other’s ally
through thick and thin.Too often they
faced adversity, but they faced it together, side by side, and, more often than
not, won. Sometimes the battles they faced seemed unconquerable; but, jointly, hand in hand, they leapt hurdles Superman
would’ve had problems overcoming.

Both brought the appreciation of music, of all genres,
into our lives from an early age; and for that I thank them. Hardly a day went
by the piano wasn’t played.Music, also, always
flowed freely from the radio. Through their encouragement my enjoyment of music
(and my late brother's love of music) covered a broad spectrum from classical and opera,
to jazz, through to country, honky-tonk, folk, pop and rock and various derivatives.
They, also, introduced us to dance....in its many forms.

Mum and Nana taught us to be up front and
honest.We were taught to be respectful
of others...and of our own self. They imparted
the knowledge how important it was to stand tall; to look the world and those
in it directly in the eye.Nana and Mum
taught us not to fall into the traps of “following the leader”; of mindlessly
being “part of the pack”. We were instructed to run our own race, not to be
like lemmings, following our peers in the fear of being ridiculed by them if we
didn’t follow suit. If a situation arose wherein we didn’t agree with the
behaviour of our mates in a given situation, for us to walk away; to have the
guts to be an individual; to hold on to the values we’d been taught.

They encouraged Graham and me to dream while advising
us not to be disappointed if some dreams didn’t come true; and not to let our
disappointment crush us or stop us from dreaming; from having goals.

Both were wags. Each harboured a mischievous, subtle,
sense of humour.

At times, when in company, Graham and I found it
best not to look at them, or be close enough to them (one, the other or both)
to receive an unseen-by-others nudge, given with a wicked twinkle in their
eyes.All they had to do was cast a look with a cheeky,
indiscernible smile teasing at the corners of their mouth, and immediately we
knew what was going on in their head!The Terrible Twins had nothing on my Nana and Mum!They found humour in many situations. It was
difficult to not get caught up in the flow.

Many years ago both left this mortal earth; Mum in
1974, and Nana in 1976 - but they’ve not departed my heart or thoughts; there
they remain.

Never a day goes by I don’t think of them; most
often accompanied by a smile.

Our mother and our grandmother...our Mum and our
Nana loved my brother and me. We loved them in return.Like two lionesses, to the best of their
ability, they protected us; but never mollycoddled us. Graham and I were aware the “world out there”
was not all sunshine and roses.Similar
could be said about inside our home....it was not all “sunshine and roses”; but
that’s life, isn’t it?

It’s my hope Mum Roll-On returns soon to the IGA
supermarket shelves.

There are substitutes for Mum deodorant, but there
are no substitutes for your Mum.

If you still have your Mum...cherish her every day, not just on the appointed, special date for Mother’s Day; and
never worry about being close...close is good.

If you are in a similar position to me...cherish your memories...they are special....

Happy Mother’s Day! Hugs to Mums – and to Grand-Mums!

Mum’sRoll-Ups: Cut crust
from 8 slices of white sandwich bread; flatten with rolling pin.Place 1 to 2tsp cream cheese and diced
strawberries (or use your own choices; Nutella could be good) 1-inch from one
end of bread in a strip. Roll the bread up tightly; repeat with other slices.
Whisk together 2 eggs and 3tbs milk. In another bowl combine 1/2c sugar and
1heaped tspn cinnamon. Heat pan over med-heat; melt 1tbs butter; dip bread
rolls in egg mix; then place in pan, seam side down’ cook in batches until
golden on all sides; add more butter if needed. When cooked add immediately to
cinnamon sugar; coat well. Serve with Maple syrup, if desired.You could substitute the strawberries with
blueberries, raspberries or banana; or make a combination using all...it’s up
to you.

Rolled
Stuffed Pork Belly: Score skin of 2kg boneless pork belly. A day or two
before you plan to serve the pork, brine in non-reactive roasting dish. Rub 30g
salt into both sides of meat; leave for 30mins. Turn the pork belly so skin
faces down; then cover with enough cold water to submerge it; cover tightly;
store in fridge, 24-48 hours.Preheat the oven to 180°C. Sit a rack in the centre of
the oven. Drain the brine from the belly, pat the pork dry all over and place
it with the skin down on a clean work surface. Peel and discard the outer four
layers and the upper and lower parts of a lemongrass stem, then finely
chop the rest. Mix 100g of peanuts, 250g of peanut butter, ½ teaspoon of chilli flakes
(or more or less to taste), 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped or grated, 3 tablespoons of coarsely
chopped fresh tarragon or dill and the lemongrass together in a
bowl and spread this evenly over the flesh side of the belly. Roll up the meat
tightly and tie it up with string, keeping the roll as tight as possible. Line
a large roasting dish with baking paper. Place a cake rack in the dish, then
sit the belly on it, with the seam facing down. Rub the skin with a little olive oil
and sprinkle withflaky salt.
Place in the oven and roast for 1 hour 45 minutes until the skin is golden.
Turn up the heat to 230°C; cook for another 15-20 minutes until the crackling
has crackled. If it doesn’t crackle, turn the grill on medium-high and cook
until it does, keeping your eye on it to prevent burning. Remove the belly from
the heat and leave to rest in a warm place, uncovered, for 15 minutes before
removing the string and slicing the meat. Serve with potato salad and green
leaves or with creamy mashed potatoes (with crushed garlic added, if desired),rich
home-made gravy and steamed greens of choice.

Mum’s Just Dessert aka Cherry Cheesecake Brownies: Preheat oven 175C. Either spray
with baking spray or grease and flour an 8 inch square pan. For the cheesecake layer, in a large
bowl, mix together 240g cream cheese, 1/3rdcup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2tsp vanilla. Set
aside. For the brownie layer; In a
large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2c softened butter and 1c white sugar. Mix
in 2 eggs, and 1tsp vanilla. Stir in 1/2c unsweeetened dark cocoa powder, 1/c
plain flour, 1/4tsp salt, and 1/4tsp baking powder. Stir until everything is
evenly combined. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking
dish. Spread the cheesecake mixture
evenly over the brownie mixture. Gently
process canned/bottled cherries, but don’t over-process (add some raspberry
jam/preserve to it, if you like after you’ve processed it.Drop by spoonfuls on top of cheesecake layer;
then using a knife, swirl this through the cheesecake layer.Bake in oven for about 45mins. The cheesecake layer will still jiggle in the middle
even when cooking has finished. Let it cool 1 hour; then chill for at least 4 hours.
Make a chocolate drizzle by adding 1/4c semi-sweet
chocolate chips and 2tsp butter in small bowl; either melt over water, or in microwave
if you use a microwave oven. Spoon the chocolate
over the top of cheesecake before serving.

Mumosa: Mix together
45ml fresh strawberry juice, 1tsp strawberry jam and 45ml simple sugar syrup;
pour into a champagne coupe glass; add a dash or two of Vok strawberry liqueur;
top with Champagne to taste; garnish with a strawberry slice on the glass
rim.Cheers to all you Mums, Grand-Mums
and Great-Grand-Mums – have a wonderful day!

35 comments:

"Mum and Nana taught us to be up front and honest. We were taught to be respectful of others...and of our own self. They imparted the knowledge how important it was to stand tall; to look the world and those in it directly in the eye. Nana and Mum taught us not to fall into the traps of “following the leader”; of mindlessly being “part of the pack”. We were instructed to run our own race, not to be like lemmings, following our peers in the fear of being ridiculed by them if we didn’t follow suit. If a situation arose wherein we didn’t agree with the behaviour of our mates in a given situation, for us to walk away; to have the guts to be an individual; to hold on to the values we’d been taught."

I would like to say that I could have written that paragraph but words don't flow for me like that. My Mum and my Nana (who lived with Mum and Dad and my brother and I in her later years and died in 1971 at the age of 93) were both very strong women and the advice they gave was exactly the same as you were given. Continents and cultures a world apart and the same advice given: it makes one think doesn't it that it was probably exceptionally good advice.

A lovely tribute to two special women.My relationship with my mother was mixed, and I never knew my grandparents.Mixed or not, I have a lot to be grateful for, and I am.We never celebrated Mothers' or Fathers' Day. Both parents told us one day does not make up for a year of neglect. And they were right.

Hi EC....We didn't make a big deal about Mother's Day, but we always did something special for Mum and Nana; even if it was our attempts at cooking them breakfast...just among us...in our own small way. I still have here part of my memorabilia a couple of cards Graham and I drew and wrote upon for Mum and Nana on a Mother's Day when he and I were little kids. Mum and Nana had kept them through the years...and I ended up with them after their passing. Throughout their lives I never forgot them on Mother's Day...and in my own, small, understated way, they were given made feel special and loved. It was no big deal.

One day doesn't make up for the rest of the year, I agree...as I inferred in my post...but I see nothing wrong with having a bit of fun on that special day that has been set aside. I feel the same way about Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day etc..any excuse for a bit of fun, I guess...no harm in it. It's better than all the gloom and doom we're surrounded by all the time.

Remy and Shama are preparing breakfast for me on Sunday! Thanks for coming by. :)

You're just going to have to read my posts after you've eaten, Linda! lol

I know what you mean...I still miss Mum, Nana and Graham, too. They knew me well...and I knew them well...special bonds. :)

Wow! Pepsodent toothpaste! I've not used that brand in years. I must look for it at the supermarket next time I go. I have to buy some more. I wrote toothpaste on my future list only this afternoon! I usually use Colgate or Macleans.

Hey Sandie...My two furry rascals are thinking up ideas for the breakfast they're going to prepare for me on Sunday morning! I don't have any children...so these two cats of mine have to step up to the plate!

Thanks for coming by....a Happy Mother's Day to you...I hope you enjoy it with your family. :)

I was looking forward to reading your Mothers Day post and you have not disappointed both in your fond recollections and food. I of course have forwarded the recipes on to my son and he is so keen to make everything you have shared for his Mum on Sunday .. I am of course just dreaming 😆

I love our Mum's hat .. The photo is similar to photos from my family, and my Aunty used to wear a hat like that.

I wonder why Mum roll-on has disappeared from the IGA shelves? I wonder whether their parent company is in trouble, whether they have stopped making the product, whether IGA have decided not to stock it any longer or if there are just problems getting stock?? I am indeed curious.

Hey, Carol. I'm sure the lad will be out shopping for the ingredients today...and eyeing of the neighbours' garden for some likely flowers! You'd better not eat tonight...to leave room for the feast you'll have presented to you tomorrow :)

Mum Roll-On is still on the market and available elsewhere from what I can gather, so I don't know what the story is with IGA...but I will find out....Mum is a must!! Old habits are hard to break!!!

Have a wonderful, lazy day tomorrow, Carol; forget about the coming week and work...listen to some good music and know it's your day to enjoy you way because you have a lovely son as proof. Happy Mother's Day! :)

What a wonderful post this is! You are so right.... there are no substitutes for your Mum!! I've been without mine for 20+ years and also think of her everyday. Thank you for the recipes and adore that cute vintage card with the kitties! No children here either Lee, I'm also a Pet Mom like you. I raised one of our cats since he was a wee kitten and he really does think I'm his Mom!

Hey, Diane. My two furry mates I've had in my life since they were three days shy of turning six weeks old. They're brother and sister. Once I set eyes on them there was no way I could take one and not the other. They turn 14 this coming November (they came into my life on 13th December). The way they both behave and boss me around, I think they believe they are human! I have to sit them down every now and then remind them this is not so, but they just shrug their shoulders and go back to sleep! :)

Good to read you mum and her mum got on so well, not always the case.Mum deodorant, I remember using that a few times way back in the past.Wedding photo it very nice - you looked good as a bride should on her wedding day.

Hi Margaret....Nana stuck with Mum. She played a major role in the raising of my brother and me while Mum went to work outside of hearth and home. They were good mates; they had their "moments", as is normal, but there were always there for each.

My dress was a mini, made of linen and my head-piece or whatever it was called was also linen...I loved the one Liz Taylor wore when she married Burton the first time, and modelled mine on hers. I was never one who desired long, flouncy, fairy princess white wedding gowns...they weren't my style...just not me.

Hey there Dave....computer problems are the pits! We're so dependent upon our computers...well, I know I am! I hate when things go wrong! I've no patience! lol

Oh, yes...cowboys and Indians were a major playtime pastime when we were kids. Many handmade bows and arrows were our weapons as were sticks as pretend guns if my brother's toy guns weren't handy!

What was a Saturday afternoon matinee if a western movie (picture, as we called them in those days) wasn't one of the features!!!!? We had to re-enact them all! I was a Gene Autry and Audie Murphy fan with a couple of others thrown in for good measure! :)

All the best at your doctor's appointment...take care and thanks for coming by. :)

I haven't seen Pepsodent toothpaste in the supermarkets in years, good luck finding some. I gave up on mum deodorant years ago too, I'm a heavy sweater, it just wasn't working, even the anti-perspirant types.

I don't remember learning much from my mum, not dad either, after she left. I was left alone a lot, kind of dragged myself through the minefield of growing up. I think I did okay.I like this tribute to your Mum and Nana, they sound like wonderful women, strong and determined and they certainly did a good job with you and Graham.

Hey River...I've always used Mum....it works/ed well for me so I hope IGA get it back in again. I must look to see if Pepsodent is still available when I go to the supermarket tomorrow. I don't recall seeing it, but then I wasn't looking to buy it, either.

There was no father in our lives...he and our mother separated when she was still pregnant with me. Nana and Mum did their best with us kids...and we tried to do the same in return, in respect. Of course, we weren't perfect- far from it! lol

OH! I hope you find your MUM deodorant again!Lovely post about your Mum and Nana! Love your wedding photo from 1966, what a pretty bride!Two things I always bring back from England - Yorkshire teabags and my Soft n Gentle Deodorant! I love it! Do you have it in Australia? There are certain ones I like the best, but you can guess, they are the hardest to find! LOL.

Hi Kay...I'm not sure if Soft n Gentle is available in stores here; it can be purchased online, though. I don't recall seeing it...but that means little. I'll have a look for it tomorrow when I'm looking for my Mum and Pepsodent toothpaste. My shopping list is growing! :)

I was just a baby in that wedding photo....21 years old!! My God! How the years have flown! That girl has long gone...flown off with the years!

I see in the comment above that you got your MUM product back - so glad. My sister was lamenting that they stopped making Curel cuticle cream - she found a batch of it on ebay and bought all of it. It's terrible when things like that happen - something you love disappears.

You had a lovely family - I know you miss them so much. Lovely memories.